Larkins Bros. is an Island-owned poultry farm and processing business owned by brothers, Paul and Harvey Larkin. The business started in New Glasgow, and has now expanded to Crapaud, where they purchased an existing processing plant and opened a small retail shop.
They have raised turkeys and chickens for more than 20 years. Their birds are grain fed without medication or antibiotics. In recent years, Larkin Bros. has added many new value-added products such as sausages, burgers, meatballs, and poultry boxes.
The busy time of year is May to December, when staff numbers rise from five to 10 or 15.
“We have been busier than usual since COVID-19 began,” says Paul Larkin, co-owner. “It seems consumers are buying locally and avoiding large shopping centres because of the pandemic.
“Increased consumer demand has resulted in hiring three more employees during what should have been our slower season. This is a very uncertain time, and everything is changing rapidly. We are taking this pandemic seriously and safety is our first concern, serving customers in a safe and efficient manner.”
The retail store in Crapaud is presently not open to the public. However, customers may pre-order and pick up their orders curbside. At the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market, although it is closed to the public, the company sells from a refrigerated truck in the parking lot on Saturday mornings, and practices social distancing.
For more information about Larkin Bros., call 902-658-2781.
Visit www.larkinbros.com.
By Stella Shephard